Polysulphide copolymers



POLYSULPHIDE COPOLYMERS Filed April 12, 1939 Hg. l

I'N VIFGNE n ATTORNEY i Patented Nov. 28, 1944 roLYsULPnmE coPoLYMERs Joseph C. Patrick, Morrisville, Pa., assignor to Thlokol Corporation, Trenton, N. J., a corporation of Delaware Application April 12, 1939, Serial No. 267,389

(Cl. M50- 79) u 35 Claims.

This invention relates to the production of polymeric and/or plastic substances of the polysulphide type and is a continuation-in-part of 'my copending application Ser. No. 168,522, led October 11, 1937, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application 109,675, filed November 7, 1936, and 122,805, filed January 28, 1937.

The reaction of alkaline polysulphides with poly functional organic compounds, e. g., coml pounds having at least one substituent on each of two or more different carbon atoms, which substituent is split off during the reaction, p ro-l duces polymers having the general formula.

HS. [RSI] .RSH

where Ris an organic radical having the skeleton structure l C cslushpumps, protective jackets for high tension wire and portable cable, printing rollers and' blankets for newspaper printing, gaskets, washers, packing in all industries, covers for conveyor belting, balloon fabric, diaphragms for controllers, regulators and meters, binder and adhesives for use with leather, cork and felts, seals for prevention of refrigerant leakage, gloves for chemical yplants and paint factories, 'printing plates for use with inks, paints, etc., packings for compressors, many specialty molded products, protective liners and `lining means for tanks, etc., such as those used in refineries and in dry cleaning equipment, and numerous other uses.

Such polymers may be formedby various reactions, e. g.,'by the polysulphide reaction or by 1940, and the latter in Patrick Patent 2,142,145. January 3, 1939. For ease of reference there is appended hereto a drawing or diagram showing the mechanism` of the polysulphide reaction in which Fig. 1 shows, reaction between sodium polysulphide and a compound having substituents X and Xi joined respectively to two different carbon atoms (which carbon atoms are separated by and joined to intervening structure) with the result that the substituent X1 is split olf, combined ,with one of the sodium atoms of the sodium polysulphide and converted into a salt, NaXi. The result of this reaction is the formation of a compound inwhich the radical -SiNa is substituted for the substituent X1.

The organic compound formed as shown in as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the formation of a polymeric compound of low molecular weight, having a sodium terminal at one end and a substituent X at the other end. Y

Fig. 3 shows the formation of a high molecular weight polymer by the polymerization of the compound shown in Fig. 2. The polymer shown in Fig. 3, while of high molecular weight, still has a sodium terminal at one end and a substituent X at the other.

\ Figs. 4 and 5 show the manner in which the sodium and X substituent terminals of the compound shown in Fig. 3 are `converted into SH terminals. i

In some cases it may be desirable to increase still further the molecular size of the polymer: shown in Fig. 5 and this may be` done by the,

method of oxidation shown in Fig. 6.

I'he general mechanics of the reaction is same whether the carbon atoms (to which the replaceable substituents are joined) are adjacent` or separated by intervening structure .and `wheth-y er the said carbon atoms are in a aromatic' nucleus or a part of an alkyl or aralkyl grouping. Usually higher temperatures are necessary to dislodge 'the substituents X` andXi when they'are tri, penta or hexasulphides the atomic proporthe mercapto reaction. The mechanism of the l former is set forth in detail, e. g., in Patrick Patent 2,142,144, January 3, `1939, `and copending application 218,874, iiled July 2, 1938, now `United States Patent 2,216,044, September 24,

tion of sulphur in the formula changes and the general formula of the polymer is (RSxln where the :c is an integer of about`2 to 6.

The organic compound used has the general formula XRXLwhere R has the definition above given and X and X1 are substituents split ci! during the reaction, e. g., halogen, formate, acetate, propionate, etc., acid carbonate, nitrate, acid sulphate, acid phosphate, acid oxalate, acid malate, acid succinate, acid tartrate, etc.

The polymers of the general formula (RSoio may 'oe produced not only by the alkaline polysulphide reaction but also by the mercaptan reaction as described in my Patent 2,142,145, January 3, 1939, and also by the thiosulphate reac tion which will be described below and is further described in my copendin-g application 131,367, led March 17, 1937.

The properties of said polymers vary widely, depending on the organic radical R and the value of i. e., whether the polymer is of the disulphide type where =about 2 or of the type where x=about 3 to 6. v

Nevertheless, in any given polymer the properties are dominated bythe nature of the radical R and notwithstanding the wide Variety of radicals R available in their compounds, the precise properties necessary to meet certain needs may be diicult or impossible of attainment.

It has been found possible to produce polymers having the general formula [(RSoM-(RSolnl.

In such polymers not only are different radicals R and R' chemically combined together inthe same molecule but also the ratio of these radicals may be controlled. Such polymers may be referred to as mixed polymers, using mixed in the chemical sense. Such polymers are quite dife ferent from those obtained by separately making an (RSI) polymer and an` (R'So) polymer and merely physically mixing the two polymers thus produced. It is perhaps preferable to refer to such polymers-as copolymers.

In accordance with the present invention the polymers (RSom and (R'Snn may be produced together or separately, but in any event they are chemically combined.

Briefly, while the polymers (RSo) and (R'So) individually possess great utility, I am enabled by the marriage or reaction of these polymers to develop entirely new properties and to open up new elds of utility. K

i The mixed polymers may be produced by various reactions, some of which are listed below as follows:

A. Reaction of an XRX1 compound with an alkaline polysulphide to form an (RSz to o) polymer in reactive dispersed condition, addition of more alkaline polysulphide to the dispersion,'if necessary, reaction of this with an X12/X1 compound to form an` (RSz to s) polymer and coupling of said polymers. The polymer so produced has substantially the formula and may be reduce'dnor desulphurized, if desired, to remove the labile'sulphur and obtain a polymer having substantially the formula This win be illustrated 'by the fouowing example. In this example, specifically, ethylene dichloride is reacted with sodium tetrasulphide to A6050 gram mols of sodium tetrasulphide in the form of a 2 molar solution thereof are treated with kilograms of NaOH followed by 20 kilo- .grams of MgChHzO, in a reaction vessel provided with coils for heating and cooling and an agitator. 6000 gram mols of ethylene dichloride are added during about three hours and the temperature maintained at about F. during this time. Then the temperature is raised to about 200 F. and held there about an hour with agitation. The reaction product is a polysulphide polymer in the form of a latex-like liquid of such character that it can .be washed and settled out from the washing water. At this point the polymer is at approximately the stage represented by Fig. 5 in the accompanying drawing and is in the form of a latex. Approximately 6000 mols of the polysulphide were required to convert the ethylene dichloride to the polymeric stage shown byFig. 3 and the excess of about 50 gram mols of sodium tetrasulphide suiiiced to convert the polymer from that sta-ge to the stage shown in Fig. 5. This latex-like dispersion is of such a nature that the speciiic gravity of the particles is greater than 1. Therefore, the latex particles are readily separated from the dispersion by settling therefrom to form a dense, latex-like liqlmols of sodium tetrasulphide in the form a 2 molar solution thereof. The temperature of the mixture of latex and polysulphide is adjusted to 140 F. and suitably agitated. y To the mixture are added 2000 gram mols of BB' dichlorethyl ether. 'Ihe temperature will rise as the ether is gradually added to the mix and said temperature should be controlled in such a manner that it does not rise above about 180 F. during the addition of the dichloro ether. The dichloro ether should be added at such a rate that from two to three hours are required to get it all into the reaction. After this has Lbeen done the temperature should be raised to about 200 F. and maintained at that temperature for about two hours to thoroughly complete the reaction. The re'- action which has just been described causes the formation of a polysulphide polymer from the dichlorethyl ether and the formation of this pol ymer occurs substantially concurrently with its coupling with the polymer formed from the ethseparates out and may be washed with water to free it from ltraces of acid.

In the above reaction the sodium tetrasulphide which is added just prior to the addition of the dichlorethyl ether reacts with the latter as set forth in Figs. 1 to 5 of the accompanying draw'- ing and produces a polymer having substantially the skeleton structure shown in Fig. 5. There are then two polymers having the same-skeleton structure illustrated in Fig. 5 but diil'erent specie structure by virtue of the difference in compounds used to produce these polymers. The

is the alkaline polysulphide.

B. Modiiication of A. An XRXi compound is reacted with alkaline polysulphide to form an (RS: i s) polymer. This is treated with a desulphurizing agent which in the process of desulphurizing is converted into (oxidized) alkaline polysulphide, the (RS: to s) polymer b'eing simultaneously reduced or desulphurized to form an (RSz) polymer. An XRX compound is then added and reacted whereby an (R'Sa is e) polymer isv formed and coupled `with the (RSg) polymer. The result is a polymer having the formula I'his mayor may not be treated with a desulphurizing agent to produce a polymer having the for- This will be illustrated by the following example:

EXAMPLE 2l Preparation of a disulphide polymer by partially desulphurzzing a tetrasulphide polymer and coupling of the disulphide polymer raised to 200 F. and held there about 2 hours with ag tation. The polymer formed is in the form of a latex which is settled out. The supernatant liquor is drawnoil and the volume restored by adding water. Then add 6000 gram mols of NaOHv and heat to about 200 F. with constant agitation and hold there about minutes to effect a partial desulphurization and to activate the polymer by converting all -SH groups into -SNa groups. Then cool down to about F. and add 2000 gram mols of ethylene dichloride during about half an hour, with stirring. Then raise temperature to about 200 F. and maintain there about half an hour. The product is now a coupled polymer, still in the form of a latex which is settled out from the ysupernatant liquor which is drawn ofi. The residual latex is Washed twice -with water with intermediate settlingand drawing off of the wash water.

The resulting coupled polymer contains both disulphide and tetrasulphide groups of sulphur atoms and is subjected toma further desulphuriz ingtreatment to complete the conversion of the lill organic polysulphide to the disulphide. It has been found advantageous to effect a partial de added to the latex, the temperature is raised to about 200? F. and held 'there about an hour. The coupled polymer is still in the form of a latex. It is settled, washed free from color by successive washings drawn of! into a separate vessel and coagulated by adding acid as in Example 1. r The coupling of the polymers may occur at various stages of the polymerization o! the respective polymers, as for example the stages shown` in Figs. 2 to 6 of the accompanying drawing. There may also be a combination of one polymer' with the monomeric substance which produces the other polymer. In view of the high molecular weight of the polymersand low molecular weight of the monomeric substance, the mass oi' the latter combined, as such, with a polymer is very low except when the polymer is at a low stage of polymerization. A

C. Amixture of an XRX; compound and an )Ui/X1 compound is reacted with an alkaline polysulphide, with or Without subsequent desulphurization. Y

See Example 7 below, omitting the nal desulphurizing step or not, as desired.

The tyipe of reaction above shown under C produces a product which is different from 'the ,fproducrl produced 'by the type of reaction described above under A, even though precisely the same organic compounds should be employed in precisely the same' proportion, the reason for this being that the molecular pattern or the sequence of the diiferent units in the chain molecule are different, depending upon the method of lproduction. For example, where the second condensation polymer is formed in the presence 4 of the 'first reaction product, which has never been heated or puriiied, the state of polymerization of the rst reaction product is usually considerably lower, that is to say, the molecular weight is less than'it would be if it had been heated and purified. Therefore, when the second reaction is carried out in the presence of this relatively low molecular weight, already formed, polymer, avery great opportunity for inter-reaction between the polymer in :process of formation with the already formed but not highly polymer.. ized product is presented, with the result that a much greater degree of randomness is introduced into the molecular pattern than is the case where the reaction is carried out as described under A.

D. An (Rs2 so e) polymer is :produced in reactive dispersed form and an (R'Sz to s) polymer is separately produced in reactive dispersed form. The respective dispersions are then mixed and reacted. The separately produced polymers have the formulae HS(RS4)1RSH and and they react substantially as follows in the presence of an oxidizing agent. Nasmsomasm o smsa'ia'sl)s.1\m='` Nasmsl)Reseda/smarts Nago The condensing agent is one such as. sulphur or oxygen, capable of uniting with the sodium terminals, m and n are integers signifying the ratio of the radicals RS4 and RS4 in the -molecules, this ratio being predetermined by the mols of organic compounds used to make the respective polymers.

Example 3 6 mols of sodium tetrasulphide in the form of a 2 molar solution are placed in a reaction ask equipped with stirring means and reflux condenser. 8 grams of sodium hydroxide are added thereto, followed by 20 grams of magnesium chloride MgClaSHzO. The mixture is heated to a temperature of 140 F. and 4 mols o! 1,2,3 trichlor propane are added slowly to the polysulphidemixture and the temperature is gradually increased until it reaches about 190 F. at which it is controlled by suitable cooling means during the remainder of the addition of the organic reactant. After all of the trichlor hydrin is into the` reaction the temperature is slowly raised over a period of about one-half hour to about, 215 F. at which it is held for two hours to complete the reaction. A coarse, latex-like dispersion of the polysulphide polymer is thereby produced. The agitation is stopped and the polymer is allowed to settle out of the aqueous remains. The supernatant liquid is removed and the polymer is washed by repeated settling and decantation with fresh Water.

6 mols of -sodium tetrasulphide in the form of a 2 molar solution are placed in a reaction ask equipped with stirring means and reflux" condenser. 8 grams off sodium hydroxide are added thereto, followed by 20 grams of magnesium chloride MgClziGI-IzO. The mixture is heated to a temperature of 140 F. and 5 mols of dichlor methyl acetal is added.l The temperature of the reaction is such thatl as the chloro acetal. is added, the heat of the mixture increases. As the temperature reaches about 170 F. it shouldbe controlled by suitable cooling means at this temperature, until all of the dichloro acetal is into the reaction, afterwhich the temperature is raised to 200 F. and held at that temperature for a period of about one hour. The condensation polymer so formed is in the form of a latex and is purified as described above. l

The two latices are combined in a single reaction vessel and about 10 grams of sodium hy- 'droxide are added to the mixture. The latices as formed above conform to the type shown in Fig. of the drawing, the addition of the caustic soda being to ensure the presence of sodium terminals (SNa). 'The union oi these polymers is brought about by any suitable oxidation means. For examrple, I may heat the mixture to a temperature of about 200 F. while passing throughthe suspension a, current of air for about two hours, or, as an alternative method I may add about two mols of sodium tetrasulphide in the form of a two molar solution and heat the mixed lattices to about 180 to 200 F. for about an hour in the presence of the excess of polysulphide, thereby bringing about chemical union between the two different types of condensation polymer to form a complex molecular pattern. Instead of polysulphide or atmospheric oxygen I may use any of the following oxidizing agents:

Hydrogen peroxide Sodium perborate Sodium hypochlorite Benzoyl peroxide E. An (Rs2) polymer is made by oxidizing an XRXi compound (Where X and X1 are SH groups). Another dimercapto compound is then added and oxidized to form an (RSz) polymer and the latter is coupled with the (Rs2) polymer to make a copolymer.

salt solution which Exmu 4 4 mols of tri methylene dimercaptan HS.CH2.CH2.CH2.SH

Y are dispersed in 1 liter of water. 20 grams of magnesium chloride MgClzHzO are dissolved in about 50 cubic centimeters of water and added to the above dispersion. 40 grams of sodium hydroxide are dissolved in about 100 cubic centimeters of water and this also is added to the dispersion. The mixture is heated to a temperature of about 150 F. at which temperature a current of air is passed through the dispersion for about minutes. This leads to the formation of a trimethylene condensation. disulphide polymer in a relatively low state of polymerization. To this mixture are added 4 mols of 1,4 dimercapto butene-2 HS.CH2CH=CH.CH2.SH with continuous agitation. A current of Iair is passed through and another 40 grams of caustic soda in about 100 cubic centimeters of water are added slowly. The temperature is then raised to about 200 to 210 F. and the current of air is continued for about two hours at this temperature. At the end of the heating period the agitation is discontinued and the condensation co-polymer, which is in the form of a late is allowed to settle out of the aqueous liquid. The supernatant liquid is then removed and the latex is washed by repeated treatment with water, settling and decantation. The polymer in the latex thus produced may be separated in the form of a coagulum as shown in previous examples. p

It should be noted that no odor of either of the mercaptans used is present in the finished produc F. A mixture of XRX; and XR'X1 compounds (X and X1 being SH groups) is oxidized and a polymer having the formula (Rs2) m-(RSzh is produced.

I ExAMPLn 1 mol of 1,3 dimercapto iso-butane is mixed with 4 mols of ethylene dimercaptan and the water in a ask fitted with an agitator. 20 grams of MgChHzO is dissolved in 50 cubic centimeters of water and added, followed by grams of sodium hydroxide dissolved in cubic centimeters of water. The mixture is heated with constant agitation to about 200 F. and a current of air is passed through the mixture for two hours at this temperature. The condensation polymer y so formed is in the form of a latex and is puried by washing with water and decantation, as hereinbefore described. It may be coagulated as in previous examples.

G. Modication of F. \A mixture of XRX; and XR'Xi compounds (X and Xi) being substituents capable of being converted into SH groups, e. g., by reaction with an alkaline hydrosulphide. is reacted with an alkaline hydrosulphde and the product is oxidized.

2200 c c. of a 2 molar NaSH solution containing 4.4 mols NaSH is reacted with 1 gram mol of BB' dichlor ethyl ether and 1 gram mol of ethylene dichloride in the presence of a magnesium hydroxide dispersing agent at a temperature of about 200 F. for about 2 hours. Theresulting solution of mixed mercaptides is then oxidized in the .manner herein set forth. See F (Example 5) above.

low zero F. It has also been found that the bro- 430 grams of dichloroethyl ether are caused to react with one liter of a 50% alcoholic solution containing about 150 grams of sodium hydrosulphide. The mixtureis agitated and is gradually heated to a temperature of about 80 C. and is kept at this temperature until the odor of ether has practically disappeared, which usually takes about two hours.

A dispersion agent, which is preferably freshly formed Mg (OH): is added to the reaction mixture. It may beformed by causing 50 grams of crystallizedmagnesium chloride dissolvedin 200 cubic centimeters of water to be decomposed by adding about 20 grams of sodium hydroxide,

NaOH.

After the dispersing agent has been added, a liter of double molar sodium polysulphide is added. This sodium polysulphide is preferably a mixture of Na2S4 and NazSs in proportion to give approximately empirical formulaNazSas. The reacting materials are kept at a temperature of about 70 C. and agitation of the same is kept up for about two hours in order to cause condensation polymerizatioln to produce the long chain polymeric disulphide.

The reaction mixture is then cooled to about 30 C. and 100 grams of ethylene dichloride are added, agitation is continued, and after the temperature has ceased to rise from the exothermic reaction, the mixture is heated to about 80 C.

and is kept at about that temperature for appeated where entire freedom from labile sulphur is desired.

The polymerized product may be freed from soluble impurities by washing it repeatedly with water and permitting settling and decantation at intervals.

The puried latex is white and fairly fine in texture. It can be coagulated by the addition of acids, such as hydrochloric acid, and forms a highly elastic mass that can be compounded with pigmentsand other compounding agents that are used in rubber compounding. It may also be compounded with natural and aiticial rubbers and can be cured, whereupon it becomes very tough and abrasion resistant, somewhat analogous to the vulcanization of rubber, when the product is heated to about 145 C.

Instead of using sodium hydrosulphide,` substantially equally satisfactory results are obtained by using the equivalent amount of potassium hydrosulphide,A and instead of using sodium polysulphide for the condensation polymerization step, other polysulphides, such as potassium, calcium, barium and ammonium may be used. Also, instead of starting with dichloro ethyl ether, a large number of ,other compounds may be used. For example, about 560 grams of chloroethoxy chlcroethyl ether may be used instead of 430 grams of the dichloroether and the resulting compound is rubber-like 'and can be equally as readily compounded, pigmented and cured. The compound thus produced is uniquely resistant to low temperature, as shown by the fact that it remains exible at temperatures as low as 45 bemides and iodides can be used in the process, instead of the chlorides with substantially equally desirable results.

Also, instead of using about 100.grams of ethyl. ene dichloride in the above example, about 160 grams of dichloro hexane (hexamethylene dichloride) may be used with substantially the same results, except that the nal rubber-like product is more resistant to the absorption of water.

H. A mixture of an XRX1 compound and an XRfXi compound is reacted with an alkaline thiosulphate. The product is then reacted with an alkaline mono or polysulphide. This produces a mixture of HS.R.SH and HSB/.SH bodies and this is oxidized to produce a [(RS2 )f--(R'S2)] polymer. The mechanism of the thiosulphate reaction with an XRX compound is set forth in my copending application 131,367, led March 17, 1937.

EXAMPLE 6 1 mol BB dichloroethyl ether is dissolved in l mol of ethylene dichloride and the two mols of organic chlorides are then reacted with 5 mols of sodium ,thiosulphate dissolved in 2 liters of .water in fthe presence of magnesium hydroxide sulphide copolymer containing ethylene and ether derived from the inter-action of 20 grams MgC12.6HzO with 8 grams of NaOH. The reaction is carriedout in a Ilask iitted with a stirrer and a reflux ndenser. The initialitelnperature of the mix should be about 160 F. and this temperature is continued for about one hour, after which the temperature is slowly raised to about 220 F. with constant agitation. This latter temperature is maintained for a period of about ve hours to ensure complete reaction of the organic halides with the thiosulphate. The aqueous solution of the mixed organic thiosulphates is, then cooled. To 2 liters of a 2 molar solution of sodium monosulphide are added 8 grams of sodium hydroxide followed by 20 grams of MgCl2.6H2O dissolved in about 60 cubic centimeters of water. This mixture is contained -in a Iia'sk fitted with an agitator. The sodium sulphide solution is heated to a temperature of about F. and with constant agitation the aqueous solution of the organic thiosulphates, as prepared above, is added in a thin stream. A latex-like dispersion of a diradicals is formed in this manner. The polymer so formed is usually in a low state of polymerization and it is preferable after its formation to treat the latex-like dispersion with about 40 grams of sodium hydroxide and to heat the latex to about 200 F. for about 15 minutes, after which the latex is permitted to settle, the supernatant liquid is withdrawn and the latex is purified as in the previous examples. It can be coagulated as in previous examples.

ing the reaction (e. g., polysulphide or thiosul-` phate reaction) as hereinbefore set forth, i. e., halogens, acid sulphate, nitrate, formate, acetate, etc.

Tmc I Polyfunctional hydrocarbons XQG-Clim X(CH:) X1 Dlsubstltuted anlsole nmaybelboZOormore XOCHLQCHOXL cnucmcncm Dlsubstltuted dibenzyl ether l 2,3, substituted butuue 10 X Xl CHLCLCH: U00 1 2,3. dlsubstltuted propane aa Disubstltuted dlphenyl ether CHLCHLCH.CHz.CH.CHs.CHa v 1 XOCHLOEHOCHLCELCH: 3.5, dlsubstltuted heptane il X.CH.CH.CH:.X1 Dlsubstituted parapropyl dibenzyl ether H 2 X.omcH=.so,.oH,.oHuXl Disubstituted isobutane Disubstituted diethyl sulphone X.CHs.CH.CHa-X1 X.CH2.CH:.CH2.SQ2.CH2.CH2.CH2.X1

Hz Dlsubstituted dipropyl sulphone Ha CH3.O.CH.CH1.O.CLCHLO.CH2.CH2.O.CH2. Disubstituted isopentane l X1 TABLE E -Disubsttuted dimethoxy tetra. ethylene glycol Poly/functional compounds having an ether linlc- CHMH'L'CH'O'(H'CHH3 age X1 CHa.CHX.O.CHXi.CH. AA disubstituted propyl other AA disllbstituted ethyl ether C Hz. C Hz. CHLO CH2. C H2. C H1 X.C2H4.O.C9H4.X1. 35 1 Disubsmuu dipropyl formal X.CH:.CE2.O.CH:O.CHLCHLXll -Disubstituted dlethyl Iormal X.CH30.CH2.CH.0 CH3.

Disubstituted dimethoxy ethane X.CH:.CH2.OC O.CH2.CH2.X1.

Disubstltuted para dethoxy benzene x.CH,o.oH=.cH2.o 0112.111.

Dsubstituted dimethoxy ethane XfCHa-CHLCHLS)H2.CH;.CH;.X1. 7o

Disubstituted dipropyl tho ether pp' Disubsumed aipneuyl ether 75 Gamma gamma disubstituted propyl ether CHa.(|}H.CH:.O.CHa.(|`)H.CHa

X Xl

TABLE III Polyfunctional` compounds having the` Linkage Dsubsttuted 3 tolyl propene 2 Lemon-amamomx.

mmh-uma! neuem a y x.cm.cn==cn.cm.cm.oni.xi

nnubsumd ma t `minieme:argomentoinculati v 1,1 dimbmmea impune a x.crn.cm.on=cn.cm.cni.x|

1,6 ahum-1mm wm a HIC.CH=CH.CH.CBI1

f 1,4 disubstituted pentene 2 HIC.CH:.CH=CH .CH|.CH.CH:

1,6 disubstituted heptene 3` TABLE IV Polyfunctional -aromatc compounds Orthodisubstltuted benzene XxCHI X.CH

Disubstituted ortho xylene X.CH:.CH CHLCHLX.

' pp Dlsubstituted diethyl benzene X1 X1 f as' Disulistituted naphthalene bb' Disubltituted naphthalena CEzXi non@ Hl 1, 3 diaubstituted meeitylene cmx, ;H1X|

, Daubmmd 1, 4 dimethyl mpntnnlm XOC'MHO;

pp' Dilubltituted dibenzyl f 4sarcasm,

hardness, it must possess such a degree of toughi air and combustible gas are mixed. Into this Disubstituted para ethyl butyl benzene x.cnscnecnOcmomcmon.einem l Disulmitutad para hexyl propyl benzene There are numerous applications of the principles ofthe present invention. One of these is in the production of a compound which can be used for the coating of surfaces, for example, storage tanks intended as reservoirs of solvents, chemicals, etc. For this purpose the compound has to meet exacting requirements. It must be substantiallyinsoluble in most solvents and resistant or inert to chemicals of various kinds. Furthermore, it should be substantially infusible or at least possess such a high melting point that it will not unduly soften at temperatures likely to be encountered. In combination with ness that it will not crack or chip when the surface to which it is applied is subjected to numerous mechanical operations, such as hammering, drilling, etc. The quality of lnsolubility precludes the application of the material in the form of a solution or varnish!) It should be ca.- pable of subdivisionto an extent sulcient to enable it to be Idispersed in the form of a dust, the disper'sing agent in this case being a heated gas. An apparatus which maybe used for the application of such gaseous dispersion is set forth in fU. S. Patent-1,781,603 to F. Schori. This patent is directed to the dispersion of ilnely divided metals. Briefly, this apparatus comprises a housing containing chambers in which 'I'his dispersion is directed onto the surface which it is desired to coat. The nnely divided Ametal coalesces 'on striking the surface and forms a coating.V The material -of the present inveni tion can be used in the apparatusdescribed instead of metal and in other types of apparatus in which the material of this invention may be dispersed in a heated gas. When so applied the material of this invention can be used to form on a surface an adherent coating of organic i polymeric material having described.

The saidmaterial oi' the present invention also hasnumerous applications in the molding arts, wherein the material is subjected to heat and pressure to form a molded article possessing the resistant and durable qualities mentioned. For

the qualities I above example, in the process of injection molding, a-

moldlng powder is required, which, under the application of heat and-pressure, will soften to described as follows:

an extent suilicient to permit its injection intov molds.

The preparation of material possessing the above mentioned qualities will be specmcally i Exnlrr.: 'l (In this case the method empmyd is that usted undery C above.)

Take 2*/2mols of sodium tetrasulphide in the form of 1250 cubic centimeters of a two molar solution. To this solution is addedv a dispersing agent produced as follows:

8 grams of sodium hydroxide are dissolved in a liquid followed by 40 cubic centimeters of a 50% solutionv of magnesium chloride, which forms a dispersion oi magnesiumhydroxide in the lpolysulphide solution. .The apparatus inwhich the reaction is carried out is equipped with a suitable stirring arrangement, thermometer and redux condenser. 1.9 mols ('188 grams) of ethylene dichloride and 0.1 mol (14.3 grams) of BB' dichlorethyl ether are mixed together, thereby giving two mols of total organic chloride. The polysulphide dispersion mixture is heated, preferably to a temperature of about 140 F., then with agitation of the polysulphide solution the mixture of organic .chloride .is added slowly at such a rate that about one hour is taken to add the organic chloride mixture. a v

The temperature of the mix which rises. as a result of this reaction is so controlled that it ture of about 210 F. and the agitation and heating is continued over a period of about one hour.

Agitatin is discontinued and the finely divided polymer is permitted to settle out of the liquid.

The suspension is then washed or separated from water soluble impurities, as outlined above, after which purification it can be washed with a little acid to remove vestiges of the dispersing agent (magnesium hydroxide) and the plymenmay be isolated by any suitable means; `for example it can be separated by .pressure filtration. en the pressed cake so obtained dried at some vated temperature.

does not go above about 180 F. during the ad-,

dition of the mixture of organic chlorides. After the dichloride mixture has al1 been added to the reaction, the temperature is increased to about 210 F, and the agitation is continued at this temperature for about 2 hours to complete the reaction.

The reaction product so produced is in the form of a dispersion, somewhat resembling rubber latex in its appearance.l The agitation is discontinued andthe finely divided dispersed particles are allowed to settle to the bottom of the vessel,

thereby separating themselves from the spent reaction liquid. 'I'he spent liquid from the reaction,

, that is to say, the supernatant liquid in this case, is removed by any suitable means, such as siphoning decantation, etc., and the latex may be further puried by'adding clean water, redispersing the finely divided particles therein and again allowing them to settle out, whereupon the water can be removed, thereby removing'the water soluble salts, which are by-products of this reaction.

The organic polymer formed as above stated is an organic polysulphide, havingsubstantially the formula iclmshm-iclnao-c2uash..

the ratio of m to n being about 1.9 to 0.1., Reference to my application 168,522, led October 11, 1937, and 218,874, filed `July 12, 1938, will show that a portion of the sulphur in the above orl mula is in the labile condition and the remainder in firmly bound condition and that the labile sulphur can be removed by the use of a desulphurizing agent, e. g., alkaline hydroxides, sulphides,

sulphiteS, etc., and in the present example the mixedpolymer is partially desulphurized as follows:

To the suspension of the polymer in water there may be added 2*/2 mois (100 grams) of sodium hydroxide. Agitationof the suspension is started and the mixture is heated to a temperapolymer by chemical The product formed by this method when dry is a une white powder having substantially the formula the ratio of im to n being about 1.9 to 0.1. Such a copolymer has properties substantially different from those obtained by ilrst making a polymer by reacting alkaline polysulphide with ethylene dichloride, then making another polymer by reacting an alkaline polysulphide with BB' dichlorethyl ether and then merels1 physically mixing the 'polymers thusproduced, and said copolymer has properties which are particularly suited for use in the method of the present invention. For example, if a polymer be made having substantially 4the formula [C2H4Snln made, for example, by reaction of an alkaline polysulphide with ethylene dichloride, followed by reaction of said polymer with a desulphurizing agent, that is, one capable of removing labile sulphur from the' polysulphide polymer, the product is a harsh, granular powder which, when softened by heat, produces a' substance of a resinous nature which has a high del gree of hardness andresistance to solvents, but

which is brittle and easily fractured. When such a substance is applied as a coating, according to the methods of the present invention, lit lacks durability. For example, such a coating develops cracks when the surface with the coating thereon is subjected to the usual or customary operation of' drilling, etc. The advantage of producing and its subj acent structure.

According to the present invention, it is anl object to chemically ytemper a hard and brittle' combination with another polymer, the chief characteristic of which is the property of elongation or extensibility, combined Valso with elasticity. The resulting compound can thereforebe expressed by the formula [(RSz) m-(R'Snlnl The formula (RSzhn has vper se the outstanding quality of hardness but is lacking in elongation and is brittle. The polymer (R'S-.n has as its outstanding property elongation. When these polymers are chemically. combined to produce they mixed polymer herein described, the resulting mixed polymer is a combination of hardness and toughness and therefore possesses the to all of the customary mechanproperties' which make 'it particularly adapted for the production of the coating of the present invention and also the method by which such coating is applied.

The species of compounds that produce the hard brittle polymers do not necessarily belong to the same. chemical class or genus and the same is true of the compounds producing the extensible polymer. It is therefore necessary to employ functional language in defining the `mixed polymer. This will be appreciated when it is noted that the hard brittle polymer may be produced from compounds having the formula X (CH2M to 6X1, whereas -compounds of the forimula X (CH2M m :0X1 produce polymers of the extensible type. Here we lhave different homologues in the same lseries producing polymers different in kind as to properties. In other words, not only may members of diierent classes producepolymershaving the same or similar properties but, conversely, members of the same class may produce polymers having different properties.

For example, whereas 1,3 disubstituted propane produces the hard brittle type of polymer,

1,2 disubstituted propane produces theextensible type. Thus it is impossible to avoid functional language entirely in describing and claiming this aspect of theinvention and a mixed or coplymer embodying the present invention may be` described as one having the formula [msnm-(wenn where RS2)m is a polymer which per se is substantially hard and brittle and (R'Sz) is a` polymer which per se is substantially extensible. This functional language is not indefinite because the limits land scope of the invention will bemade clear by providing a sumcient number o! examproduce the respective xpm'x, 1,1 dnubsticud methane X.CH1.CH1.X1

1,2 disubstituted ethane moa-:taxi

1,3 disubstituted propane X.C4H|.X1 1,4 substituted butano X.C5H\o.Xl 1,5 dsubstituted Dentane X.(CH;).X1

1,6 disubstituted hexane X t C H. C HLX: X;

1,1,2 trisubstituted ethane X1. X.CHr-}H-CH1.X2

1.2,3 trsubstituted propane ich.

` pounds the maximum length ofthe carbon chain is represented by compounds having six carbon atoms. It is desirable to stay within this limit because experience has shown that if this limit is increased the polymers produced tend to ac-` quire extensibility `as contrasted with the property oi hardness which is desired. In fact. polymers of the extensible l(R'Ss) type may be produced from compounds. having the Iormulae X (CHzh so :0X1 as shown below in Table VIII, thus-demonstrating that different homologues of the same series produce polymers some of which are `hard and brittle and others which are extensible.

- Tnx.: VI

XoHOcmxi 'xcmiOimxx ortho Dlt! Disubstituted hummel CHzX CHzX ClxX CHIX

` Bax Dimbstituted-dlnmthyl humilla cimx nnumima diethyl humus ciHX '61H l .x caHrX cimx . can; f .mx

Disubstituted dipropyl benzene p Hex - 7 above.

B. Compounds producing ithe extensible (R'Sa) type of palmen-Any of the compounds listed ln Tables. VII, VIII and IX below can be substituted for 'the BB dlsubstituted ethyl ether of Example Tseu: VII

V CHsCHXHXhCHx.

AA' disubetituted ethyl ether x.c,m.o.c,m.x1. BB disubstiltuted ethyl ether X.CB:.0.CH:.XI| Dlsubstltuted methyl ether x.c,m.o.c,m.o.c,m.x,. Dlsuhstituted ethoxy ethyl ether:-

x.c.H.s.c,Hx1. l

` Disubstltuted thlo ethyl ether xmsmil Disubstituted tho methyl other CH3 X.CH.0.CH.1.}.CH2.0 CHLXl. Hl i 4 Dlsubstituted 1,3 methoxy, 2,2 dimethyl propane X.CH:.GH:.CH:.0.CH:.0.CH:.CH1.CH|.X1.

Disuhstituted dipropyl formal X.CH4:.GH:.0.CH1.O.CH:.CH|.X1

Disubecimed methyl fennel v x.c11,.o.cn.cn.o ou..

Disubstituted dimethoxy ethane XOOOX pp Disuhstltuted dipheuyl other XOO-cmm Daebsumtea Belsele XOCMQCHOXI meuheumed benzyl ether es Dlsubetituted dlphenyl eth f Disubstituted para propyl dibenzyl ether X.CH1.CH.SO.CH1.CH:.X1 Disubstituted diethyl sulphone X.(Ma-CH01h80,.CHLCHLCHLX:`

Disuhstituted dipxopyl sulphone CH.0.CH.CH:.0.CH:.CH;.0.CH:.CH:.O.CH|.CH.O.QEL

Dlsubetltuted dlmethoxy tetra ethylene glycol cnecmcuoemcmon..

l LA' substituted prepyi eener CEn.CHa.CHa.O.CH.CH:.CHa.

l Gamma gamma dlsubstltuted propyl ether Delta delta dlsubstltuted butyl ether Disubstltuted 3 tolyl propone 2 v X.CH,.CH=C'H.CH,.CH,.X|.

Disubstltuted pentene 2 x.cH..cH=cH.oH,.cmcmxx.

Disubstituted hexene 2 v x.0H..0H,.cH=cH.cH,.cH,.oH,.xl. 1,1 substituted heptene s Louron..o11=oH.cH,.cH.x1. 1,6 substituted hexene a mc.cH-=CH.CH.CH.

1,4 mubeumted penteue 2 mc.cmf.cn=cn.ou,.cn.ou..

1,6 uuubetuuted heptene s All o! the above compounds have two carbon atomsseparatedby and joined to intervening structure characterized by ether linkage or the grouping and all of these compounds produce polymers which, per se, have not'only elasticity butI also elongation as an outstanding characteristic thereof. Such properties can, for the` purposes of the present invention, be obtained not only fromthe compounds in the above list .but also from those in the following list, and it will be noted that these cgmpoimds are' similar' to those abovel described in Table I,l with the distinction that the length of the c a'rbon chain is greater than 6 carbon atoms: i V

TABLI: VIII H'owver, the length of the carbon chain is not, per se, the sole determinant in selecting compounds which will provide the (R'S) a type of polymer, because compounds such as illustrated below in Table 1X can be employed instead of those v listed in Tables III and IV.

Tann 1X 1,2 disubstitutsd propane n om H X.---Xi. 1,3 enumerated, 2 methyl 'propane lack of distinction between the properties to be obtained from 1,2 disubstituted propane in pane is reacted to 'produce a-disulphide polymer,

the latter is hard and resinous and lacking in properties of elongation.` There is, however, a

V denite theory to account for this non-obvious diiierence in the facts. In the 1,3 disubstituted trimethylene the carbon atoms'are in a'substantially straight line and the polymer produced sulphurized to the disulphide condition produces a polymer having properties of elongation, whereas 1,2,3 trichlor `propane reacted in the same'. manner produces a `polymer 'in which no such elongation is observed. The theory which'explains these diil'erences in the facts is this: In

the 1,2,3 trichlor pl'pne it is true that there arereplaceable substituents in the 1,2 position and that in part the resulting polymer grows from ,these two positions.

group attached to the carbon'atomin the 2-pcsition, .which might.' lead to the conclusion that this would form a, spacing element similar to the methyl group similarly positioned im 1,2 dichlor propane, shown vin Table IX, but it will be vnoted that the methyl group'in 1,2,3 trichlor propane shown in Table I has a replaceable substituent thereon, which reacts with the polysulphide and' produces cross connecting polymers so that the said substituted methyl group, rather than forming the spacing element actually results in bridge formation between the polymeric chains, with the result that the resulting polymer is substantially a series of long rods, it is true, spaced apart but nevertheless connected together andA rigidied by means of numerous bridges, giving it the same, or possibly more, rigidity than would be the case if the polymer were simply a series of rods compacted together.

It will therefore be clear that when it is desired to Iapply the principles of this invention e to the production of a polymer having a combinapas therefrom is likewise a straight chain polymer,

the shape of which is substantially that of a rod. The aggregations of these polymers are hard and resinous because'it can readily be inferred that the innite number of such Arods can be closely packed together to form a compact, hard mass. In the case of y1,2 disubstituted propane, however, the reaction, e. g., with alkaline polysulphide, occurs at' the carbon atoms placed at the 1,2 carbon positions and the polymer chain grows from these positions. 'Ihis necessarily means that the methyl group forms a multitude ofside chains or side arms in the resulting polymer. Consequently; theseyside arms or methyl groups. act substantially as spacing `elements l of elongation.

Likewise, it would normally be thought that 1,2 dichlor propane, shown above in TabledlX,4

would give apolymerhaving substantially the same properties as 1,2,3 trichlor propane, illustrated in Table I albove, in view of the fact that both of .these compounds have replaceable substituents on the 1,2 carbon' atoms. The fact, however, is that 1,2 dichlor propane reacted with an alkaline polysulphidev and subsequently detion of hardness and toughness I may proceed by combining a polymer .produced from a compound selected from group A with a polymer selected from group B, i. e., 1, may effectsubstantially the following reactioi:

The specific mechanism by which this combination may be eiected is subject to considerable variation.- In Example 'l is shown a process whereby a mixture of compounds, such as XRXi and lmXi are reacted with an alkaline poly.. sulphide (where X and X1 are substituents attached, respectively; to thesame or different car- I bonatoms and capable of being split onr during the ultimate properties are developed.

` the reaction with the polysulphidel'and the resulting mixed polymer is partially desulphurized by reaction with a` desulphurizing reagent (method C, above, with partial desulphurization). Instead'of this speciiic method I may use any of 'the methods'A to H, employing desulphurization where necessary, to produce the Parts by weight- Intermediate polymer 100.00 Zinc oxide 10.00 Carbon black 20.00 Stearic acid 0.05

Benzo thiazyl disulphide 0.25

These ingredients are thoroughly mixed, e. g., by mastication and vthe mixtureor compound then heated to about 300 F. for about onevhour to cause the curing reaction to occur. Thereby Instead of zinc oxide, numerous other me vc It is also true that in the 1,2,3 trichlor propane ,there is a methyl 12 oxides andl inorganic lancl organic oxidizing asoaeu agents may be employed, e. g., oxides of copper, I

lead, bismuth, antimony, arsenic, manganese chromium, benzoyl peroxide and organic mono and polynitr'o compounds.

Instead of benzo thiazyl disulphide, other compounds may be used known as "vulcanization accelerators. -v

In the production'of the hard, tough compound for coating surfaces by reacting a hard brittle disuliphide polymer with an extensible disulphide polymer,'curing may be dispensed with .because the properties of the resulting copolymer are such that curing may not be necessary in order to adapt it Vto this particular purpose.

copolymers of the monosulphide type The rprevious discussion has Abeen concerned primarily withthe case where each of the polymerio constituents or components Y, of the copolymer is of the :polysulphide type, i. e., of the type having the general formula (RS: le s) formed by Areaction between a polyfunctional organic compound and an alkaline di, tri, tetra, penta or ,hexasulphide, or by other means, as herein disclosed. It is possible, however, for one or all of the said rpolymeric components to be of the monosulphide type, that is, a polymer of the unit RS) Such a polymer may be obtained by a. reaction between a fpoly or bifunctional organic compound and an alkaline monosulphide. In the reaction between an alkaline monosulphide and a bi or polyfunctional compound the in the mix the temperature is raised to 210 F. and held there for another 30 minutes, after which the agitator is stopped and the condensation polymer which is in the form of aliinely 'divided latex-like product is permitted to settle out. v

The supernatant residual polysulphide solution is removed and-the latex is washed twice by agitation with warm water and allowed tosettle out with removal of supernatant liquid each time.

agitation, the temperature being kept as low as` l possible in order to keep the condensation polygeneral mechanism is similar to that shown by the reactions of the accompanying drawing. In

the resulting polymer the organic radicals are separated by a single sulphur atom instead of a pair of said sulphur atoms. Illustrative methods of producing copolymers where one or both of the polymeric components is of the monosulphide type are illustrated by the following examples: 4

EXAMPLE 8 n1 this example the bifunetional compound, e. g., BB' dichlorethyl ether is reacted with an alkaline tetraslulphide to give a tetrasulphide organic polymer, which is then stripped or reduced down to the disulphide form. Another polymer is separately made by reacting ethylene dichloride with sodium monosulphide. Both polymers are prepared in the form of latex-like dispersions and these polymers are then mixed and reacted. The general formula of the resulting copolymer is The ratio of m to n is readily controlled by selecting predetermined molecular ratios of the BB' dichlor ethyl ether and .of the ethylene dichloride, respectively. Specic details of this example follow:

` 4 mols of sodium tetrasulphide in the form of 2000 cubic centimeters of a two molar solution are placed in a flask equipped with mechanical agitator, thermometer and reflux condenser. To this are added 10 grams of sodium hydroxide and 25 grams of MgChHzO to form a colloidal dispersion of magnesium hydroxide. The temperature of the mix is adjusted to about 140 F. and 3 mols of BB dichloroethyl ether (430 grams) are added over a period of aout one hour, the temperature being controlled in such a manner that the heat of the reaction does not causethetemperature of the mix to go above about 180 F. After all of the dichloro ether is mer in a low state of polymerization.

'I'he partially "stripped" latex is allowed to separate out of the polysulphide solution formed by this process and the polysulphide solution is removed as above and the latex is .washed as described before.

The formation of the other component of the copolymer is effected as follows:

- 1% mols of sodium monosulphide in the form of 750 cubic centimeters oi' a two molar solution are placed in the same type of flask as described above and 10 grams of sodium hyroxide are added -thereto followed by 25 grams MgClzHzO. This mixture is heated to 160 F. and- 1 mol of ethylene dichlor-ide is added dropwise to the mechanically agitated mixture. The temperature is so controlled that it does not go above about 170 F. during the addition of the ethylene dichloride. The addition of theethylene dichloride is continued for a period of about one hour, after which the temperature'of the mixture is raised to 200 F. for about 15 minutes. The agitator is stopped and the latex-like dispersion of the condensationpolymer is allowed to settle out.

The supernatant liquid is removed and the latexy is added tothe one derived from BB dichloro gradually raisedy to 212 F. This temperature is continued with agitation for a period of about one hour.

Suilicient combined labile sulphur was left in the ether'polymer first formed after the partial stripping given it to form a polysulphide solution with the addition of the sodium monosul phide last added. 'I'he eifect of the-polysulphide so formed in combination with the time and temperature involved causes a very considerable amount of condensation to occur between the mercaptide (--SNa) terminals of the respective polymers. The copolymer so formed which is in a latex-like state may now, if desired, be'acidiiied by the addition of aciduntil the pH is brought to between 4 and 5, whereupon coagulation takes place and the copolymer is obtained in the massive form. This treatment produces a rubberlike mass which can be washed with water to remove traces of acid and masticated on a rubbermmunuidry.

In Example 8, the stripp step, i. e., re.-`

ldispersion of magnesium hydroxide.

of 2 mols (250 grams) of 1,4 dichloro butene 2.

moval oflabile sulphur or partial desulph tion may be omitted and the resulting tetrasulphide organic polymer may then be reacted with the polymer formed by thealkaline monosulphide reaction so that the formula of the re sulting copolymer is substantially Both of the polymeric components of the 'copolymer may if desired be of the monosulphide type and the production of a polymer of this type will be described Vin the following example:

mug I and 2 mols (198 grams) ethylene dichloride are added. dropwise, over a period of about two hours tothe monosulphide solution in the flask which is continuously agitated and the temperature of which is maintained at or near 170 F.

After all of the mixture of organic dichlorides has been added the temperature is raised to 212 F; and held at that temperature with agitation for a period of about two hours. About 0.5 mol of sodium tetrasulphide is then added in the form of 250 cc. of a 2 molar solution and the -temperature is held at about 212F. for about 30 minutes. The purpose of adding the alkaline polysulphide is to cause coupling of the polymers. Instead of alkaline polysulphide other coupling agents can be used, e. g., air, oxygen, hypohalites, pei-oxides, perborates, permanganates, etc. 'I'he agitator ls then stopped and the latex-like dispersion of the condensation copolymer is allowed to settle out. The supernatant liquid is withdrawn andthe finely -divlded copolymer is repeatedly washed with water until free from water soluble salts.

If it is desired to coagulate the material the latex is acidied to a pH of between 4 and 5, upon which separation in the elastic state takes place.

In the above Examples 8 and 9, instead of 4the specific bifunctional compounds mentioned therein, any of the speciiic compoundslisted in this application may be substituted in substantially equi-molecular proportions, care being taken to select said compounds so that R and R' have diii'erent specicstructure. It is to be noted, however, that4 alkane monosulphides react with certain compounds having four and five atoms in the chain. particularly where these atoms are` connected by primary orsingle valences only, to form nve and six membered rings, respectively, theformation of which reduces the that the general formula of the copolymers of the present invention is [(asl t, o 1 -(afer a en -m"sl a op] In Example 9, the organic compounds may be reacted successively with the alkaline monosulphide in the same vessel as in Example 1 or separately reacted as in Example 3, the resulting polymers being coupled by a suitable oxidizing treatment in each case.

Commercially it is of great advantage topro- 4duce a polymer having all desired qualities from a compound XRX1 where R is a radical having n .the skeleton structure yield of the chain-like polymers and, therefore,

from the yield point of view, compounds will preferably be selected 'by the skilled chemist which do not have said tendency toward ring formation by reaction with alkaline monosulphides.

From the preceding disclosure it will be noted representing adjacent carbon atoms and X and X1 represent the -means for polymerizing the XRX1' compound e. g. substituents which are split oil in the alkaline polysulphide reaction or -SH groups or -SzOsH groups. Such an XRX1 compound is exemplied by the relatively cheap ethylene dichloride. The highest degree of success in obtaining a satisfactory synthetic rubber demands a combination of cheapness .with

desirable properties. Etlwlene dichloride may be teem-l does not .possess all the desired qualities. In` accordance with the present invention, these qualities are greatly improved by chemically combining a polymer of the above formula with one of the formula .tm-SM1,

represents carbon atoms separated by intervening structure.

It has now been folmd that if ing the general formula eas-1,

is produced, e. g.. by reacting ethy1ene ammende with an alkaline monosulphide and this polymer where a polymer hav- The previous discussion has been concerned l where v. mula is combined with a represents carbon atoms separated by intervening structure. then a still further approach 'to' theideal combination of cheapness plus desir--I able qualities is obtained. The polymer of the unit -M+ l: l l :I does not per se possess all desired properties.

However it is cheap and when it is combined with a polymer of the unit tte-SW1 I claim:

1. The process polymer of the unit (R81 te the unit (R'Sr to e), R and R' selected from the groups which comprises reacting a c) with a polymer of being radicals Jimi)- (representing carbon atoms separated by intervening structure) and (representing adjacent carbon atoms), S being a sulphur atom and R and R' having different speciiic structure.

2. The` process which comprises reacting a polymer of the unit of the unit (R'Sn to e), R and R' being radicals selected from the groups \-l l (representing carbon atoms separated by intervening structure) and t (representing adjacent carbon atoms), S being a sulphur atom and R and R" having diierent speciiic structure.

3. The process which comprises reacting a polymer of the unit (RSz), which polymer is per se hard and brittle. with a polymer of the unit A (R'Sz) which polymer is substantially extensible, where R. and R' are radicals having skeleton structure selected from the groups v(representing carbon atoms separated by intervening structure) and I '2,363,614 polymer ot the general fort to cause chemical combination 5. The product which is substantially identical Y carbon atoms), S is a sulhave different speciilc (representing adjacent phur atom and R and R' structure.

4. The process rality of compounds'having the general formula XRXi with an alkaline polysulphide, X and X1 being substituents attached to each of two differentcarbon atoms and R being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups,

consisting of l I 0... c- I I (representing carbonatoms joined to and separated by intervening structure) and (representing adjacent carbon atoms), the radicals R in the respective compounds having different speciilc structure whereby a'plurality of polymers is obtained and reacting said polymers thereof.

with thatobtained by reacting a plurality of compounds having the general formula XRX1 with an alkaline polysulphide, X and X1 being substituents attached to each of two diierent carbon atoms and R being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groips consisting oi (representing adjacent carbon atoms), the radicals R. in the respective compounds having different specic structure t polymers is obtained and reacting said polymers (RS: to c) with a polymer to cause chemical combination thereof.

.6. The process which comprises reacting with an alkaline polysulphide a compound having two carbon atoms to each .rl'which is joined a substituent which is split of( during the reaction, said carbon atoms being joined to and separated by intervening structure, and a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms to each of which is attached a substituent which is split oil during the reaction, whereby polymers having different properties are formed, mers.

'1. The product which is substantially identical with that obtained by reacting with an alkaline polysulphidea compound having two carbon atoms to each of which is joined a substituent which is split oli during the reaction, said carbon atoms being joined to and separated by intervening structure, and a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms to each of which is attached a substituent which is split ol during the reaction, whereby polymers having differentwhich comprises reacting a pluwhereby a plurality of y and reacting said POIY- tion, whereby polymers having diilerent properties are formed, and reacting said polymers.

9. The product which is substantially identical with that obtained by reacting with an alkaline polysulphide a compound having two carbon atoms to each of which is joined a substituent Y which is split oil` during the reaction, said carbon 'atoms being joined to and separated by intervening structure characterized by an ether linkage, and a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms to each of which is attached a substituent tion, and a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms to each of which is attached a substituent which is split off during the reaction whereby polymers having different propertiesare formed, and reacting said polymers.

11. The product which'is substantially identical with that obtained by reacting with an alkaline polysulphide an ether having two terminal carbon atoms to each of which is joined a sub- -stituent which is split oil during the reaction,

and a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms to each of which is attached a substituent which is split off during the reaction whereby polymers having different properties are formed, and reacting said polymers.

12; The Oprocess which comprises reacting with an alkaline polysulphide BB dichlorethyl ether and ethylene dichloride, whereby polymers having diierent properties are formed and reacting said polymers. f-

13. The product which is substantially identical with that obtained by reacting with an alkaline polysulphide BB' dichlorethyl ether and ethylene dichloride, whereby ,polymers having different properties are formed and reacting said polymers.

14. The process which comprises reacting with an alkaline polysulphide a compound having the 2,ses,c14

- (representing carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure) and (representing adjacent carbon atoms) and R and R having diterent speciilc structure, whereby a second polymer is formed and reacting said polya mers.

15. The product which is substantially identical-with that obtained by reacting with an alkaline polysulphide a compound having the general formula XRX1, X and X1 being substituents` attached to each of two diierent carbon atoms which substituents are split oit during the reac- -tion and R being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups consisting of` l (representing carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure) and compound having the formula XR'X1, X and X1 general `formula XRX1, X and X1 being substituents attached to each of two diierent carbon atoms which substituents are split oil during the reaction and R being a radical having skeleton structure selected fromthe groups consisting of (representing carbon atoms joined to and sepa- 'ratedby intervening structure) and (representing adjacent carbon atoms) whereby l a polymer is formed, reacting said polymer with a desulphurizing agent which ,removes a portion of the combined 4sulphur from said polymer and is therebyconverted intoA an alkaline polysulphide, and reacting said alkaline polysulphide being substituents split oi during the reaction, R' being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups (representing carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure) and nel- 4 general formula XRX1,X and X1 being substituents attached to each of two different carbon atoms, which substituents are split oi during the reaction, and R being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups consistinset eme (representing carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure characterized by an ether linkage) and (representing adjacent carbon atoms) whereby a polymer is formed, reacting said polymer with a being substituents split oiI during the reaction, R'

Abeing a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups (representing` carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure characterized by an ether linkage) and l I (representing adjacent carbon atoms) and R and R' having different specic structure, whereby a second polymer is formed and reacting said polymers.

1v. The product which is substantially identical with that obtainedrby reacting with an alkaline polysulphide a compound having the general formula XRXi, X and X1 being substituents attached yto each of two different carbon atoms, which substituents are split oi during the reaction, and R being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups consisting of A mt- I I (representing carbon atoms joined to and sepa.-

rated by intervening structure characterized byv an ether linkage) and I I (representing carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure characterized by an ether linkage) and f (representing adjacent carbon atoms), and R and R' having different specic structure, whereby a second polymer is formed and reacting said polymers.

18. The process which comprises reacting with an alkaline polysulphide an ether having the general formula XRXi, X and X1 being substituents attached to each of the two terminal carbon atoms of said ether, which substituents are split off during the reaction, whereby a polymer is formed, reacting said polymer with a desulphurizing agent which removes a portion of the combined sulphur from the said polymer and is therebyl converted into an alkaline polysulphide, and reacting said alkaline polysulphide with a compound having the formula XRXi, X and Xi being substituents split off during the reaction, R being a radical having skeleton structure selected from the groups I l -C...

(representing adjacent carbon atoms) and Rand R' having different speciflc structure, whereby a second polymer is formed and reactingsaid polymers. 4.

19. The product which is substantially identical with that obtained by reacting with analkaline polysulphide an ether havingthe general formula XRXt, X s i X1 being substituents attached to each' of the two terminal carbon atoms-oi said ether, which substituents are split oi during` the reaction, whereby a polymer is formed, reacting said polymer with a desulphurizingfagent which removes a portion ofthe combined sulphur from the saidpolymer and is thereby converted into an alkaline polysulphide, and reacting said alkaline polysulphide with a compound having the *formula XRXi, X and X1 beingl substituents split off during the reaction, R' being. a radical having skeleton structure selected'from the groups (representing carbon atoms joined to and separated by intervening structure) and whereby a polymer is formed, reacting said poly' mer with a desulphurizing agent which removes a portion of the combined sulphur from'said polymer and is thereby converted into an alkaline polysulphide, and reacting said alkaline polysulphide with ethylene dchloride whereby a second polymer is formed, and reacting said polymers.

(representing carbon atoms joinedv to and sepy arated by intervening structure) and 21. The product which is substantially identical with that obtained by reacting BB dchlorethyl ether with an alkaline polysulphide whereby a polymer is formed, reacting said polymer with a desulphurizing agent which removes a portion ofthe combined sulphur from said polymer and is thereby converted into an alkaline polysulphide, and reacting said alkaline polysulphide with ethylene dchloride lwhereby a second polymer is formed, and reactingsaid poly-l mers.

22. The process which comprises reacting al polymer of the unit (RSz tc s) with a polymer of the unit (RS), R having the skeleton-structure (representing carbon atoms separated by inter-` vening structure) and R having the skeleton structure I l C g... l I

(representing adjacent .l carbon atoms), S

24. The process which comprisesfreacting with" alkaline polysulphide a compound having two 'n carbon atoms to each of winch .is joined a substituent which is split onduring the reaction, said carbon atoms being joined to and separated bon atoms to each of which is attached a substituent which is split oli during the reaction I whereby a second polymer is obtained, and reacting the rst polymer with the `second polyiner.

25. The process which comprises oxidizing a compound having two carbon atoms to each of which is joined an SH group, said carbon atoms being joined to and separated by intervening structure whereby a rst polymer is obtained; and oxidizing a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms, to each of which is attached an SH group whereby a second polymer is obtained, and reacting the first polymer with the second polymer.

26. The process which comprises reacting BB dichlor ethyl ether with an alkaline polysulphide whereby a ilrst polymer is obtained, and react- 'ing ethylene dichloride with an alkaline polysulphide whereby a second polymer is obtained, and

reacting the ilrst polymer with` the second poly- (representing carbon atoms separated by intervening structure) and R' being a radical having the skeleton structure (representing adjacent carbon atoms), S being a sulphur atom.

29. The process which comprises reacting with an alkaline polysulphide a compound having two carbon atoms to each of which is Joined a substituent which is split olif` during the reaction. said carbon atoms being joined to and separated by intervening structure,v and obtaining aV sulphurized polymer, reacting` saidv sulphurized polymer with a desulphurizing agent to obtain a partially desulphurized yilrst polymer; reacting an alkaline monosulphide with a compound having two adjacent carbon atoms, to each of which is attached a substituent which is split of! during the reaction whereby a second polymer is obtained, and reacting the first polymer with the second polymer. v

30. A copolymer` which is substantially a chemical combination of a polymer of the unit [RSi a, al and a polymer of the unit [RSi a el, R and R' being radicals having skeleton structure selected from' the muy! (representing carbon atoms separated by intervening' structure) and (representing adjacent carbon atoms),v 8 being a sulphur atom and R and R' having different specific structure. l l

31. A copolymer which is substantially a" chemical combination of a polymer of the unit [RS: zo c] and a polymerV of the unit [R'Sz to el, R and R' being radicals having skeleton structure selected from the groups 4mel l A (representing carbon atoms separated by intervening structure) and i-'-, l l

(representing adjacent carbon atoms), S'being a sulphur atom and R. and R' having different specific structure.

32. A copolymer which is substantially al being carbon atoms separated by intervening llinkage and l (l', being adjacent carbon atoms, B is a sulphur atom and R and R' are radicals having diner- [RS: a e] and a polymer of the unit IR'Sl, R being a radical having the skeletonA structure (representing carbon atoms separated by'intervening structure) and R' being a radical having the skeleton structure M I I (representing adjacent carbon atoms), S being asulphur atom.

34. A copolymer which is substantially a chemical combination of a polymer of the unit [C2H4.O.C2H4Sz a s] and a polymer 0f the unit [C2H4Sl, S being a sulphur atom.

35. A copolymer which is substantially a chemical combination of a polymer of the unit [R82] and a polymer of the unit-[R'SIL R being aradical having the skeleton structure (representing carbon atoms separated by interstructure) and-R' being a radical having theskeleton structure Y "l- A (representing adjacent carbon atoms) ,f lS being a sulphur atom.

*JOSEPH C. PATRICK. 

